Daniel Craig breathed fresh life into James Bond, the iconic British spy that Ian Fleming created. The actor took the character and put a different spin on it, and it was clear from the get-go in Casino Royale.
The film’s success exceeded expectations, and Craig’s outing as the protagonist was greatly appreciated too. He donned the skin of the character with panache and delivered a memorable performance. Moreover, the film established a trend after 19 years, that its predecessors had deviated from.
Daniel Craig’s Casino Royale used an Ian Flemming title after 19 years
The 2006 film with Daniel Craig playing Bond marked a major milestone for the franchise. Based on the first-ever 007 book by author Ian Fleming, the film became one of the most successful Bond films of all time, with a rating of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes.
EON Production managed to reclaim the title from the parody film of the same name, which had come out in 1967. The parody film was not part of the Bond franchise, and Craig’s film managed to establish that. Helmed by Martin Campbell, the 2006 film saw Eva Green, Dame Judi Dench, and Mads Mikkelsen in key roles, in addition to Craig. Much can be said about the film, but most importantly, it paid homage to its creator in a beautiful way.
Casino Royale became the first Bond film in 19 years to use a title from Flemming’s works. The last time a Bond film did that was in Timothy Dalton’s The Living Daylights, which came out in 1987. Dalton’s and Craig’s films were separated by five Bond films that used original titles, not taken from the author’s works.
Flemming took inspiration from his own experiences during World War II. He ended up writing 14 novels, and each story gripped the imagination of its readers as the spy saved the day. The character holds a special place in Craig’s heart, and his iteration of the spy is easily one of the most loved by the fans.
Why was Daniel Craig the perfect James Bond?
Craig’s casting news as the spy was met with an underwhelming response. Over the years, fans had come to expect Bond as a tall, dark, and handsome man, but Craig, with his crop of blond hair, was a departure from their idea of what the character should be. The actor managed to prove his naysayers wrong.
Bond had become a bit of a stereotype, a little indifferent, but charming with his womanizing ways. While Craig’s Bond also embodied some of the traits, he could also be vulnerable, which is very different from Sean Connery’s version, whose casting even the author disliked. Moreover, the character was not invulnerable during gun fights either.
Even the creative minds behind the five Bond films he was a part of handed Craig some breathing room. This allowed the actor to perfectly balance playing an assassin, with a man who was not above toying with hearts. Craig managed to give the character a soul, offering a glimpse into the mind of the man, and in doing so, made the audience root for him.
Not all of Craig’s Bond films were great, but the actor always managed to shine. He is charming, with an incredible screen presence. So while Craig’s chapter as the spy is over, his successor will have big boots to fill.
